Sidumisile Mabena
Zimpapers Sports Hub
BULAWAYO is catching a brand new sporting fever and it is called korfball!
The City of Kings is set to become Zimbabwe’s fifth province to fully embrace the fast-growing mixed-gender sport, after a high-energy training workshop for teachers wrapped up this week.
From Monday to Wednesday, classrooms turned into courts as teachers from Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South were drilled to become coaches and match officials in the exciting game.
So what exactly is korfball?
Think netball meets basketball, but with a twist. Men and women play together in one team. No pushing. No rough tackles. Just pure skill, teamwork and equality.
Each team has eight players, four men and four women, aiming to throw the ball into a 3,5-metre-high basket known as a “korf”.
There is no dribbling, no running with the ball. It is all about sharp passing, smart movement and serious teamwork.
Born in the Netherlands in 1902, korfball is now making waves worldwide and Zimbabwe is right in the mix.
In fact, Zimbabwe is ranked number one in Africa, a massive achievement that has put the country on the global map.
The nation has already hosted an international tournament and proudly qualified for the World Cup in 2018 and again in 2022.
And there is no slowing down.
Chatebah says the goal is to roll out korfball across
Meanwhile, led by Zimbabwe Korfball Association president Tarirai Chatebah and technical expert Melody Mutasa, the workshop was no child’s play. It was intense, practical and packed with action.
And the mission is to spread korfball like wildfire!
“We are here to equip teachers, who will take the sport into schools as coaches and officials,” said Chatebah.
Already, the sport has planted roots in Harare, Manicaland, Mashonaland West and Masvingo. Now, Bulawayo is next in line.
The sport is set to spread to all 10 provinces in Zimbabwe, with eight provinces targeted by the end of the year.
The future stars are already gearing up, with an Under-19 tournament set for September in Malawi.
A new game is in town.
It is bringing boys and girls together to play, compete and shine as one.
